Suffolk Coastal’s Therese Coffey recently held eight community meetings across the district to gauge people’s opinions on EDF Energy’s plans for Sizewell C.

She said: “It was important to hear back from residents about the design, their thoughts on the roads and rail proposals, as well as the park and ride and accommodation sites.

“I have already met with EDF to give them an early view of that feedback but will draw together as many of the comments into themes so that I can articulate people’s views appropriately at the council meetings and community forums. The main points that residents raised were the traffic issues, the park and ride sites, the potential for rail and the sites of the accommodation campus. Concern was also raised about some of the social issues associated with the potential behaviour of workers and contractors. EDF has assured me they carry out random drug and alcohol tests and have the ability to withdraw site passes.”

The sessions were held at the end of last week in Leiston, Sizewell, Theberton, Eastbridge, Middleton, Yoxford, Stratford St Andrew and Woodbridge.

Dr Coffey added: “We are at the start of a fairly lengthy process. There is no doubt that there is going to be disruption in our part of Suffolk for some time. The key job for EDF is to build a power station that will help keep the lights on in 20 years’ time but as with any development, it is appropriate for the developer to minimise the impact on local residents and businesses and install essential infrastructure for the development and from which local residents can benefit.”

Local resident David Holland was one of those who went to the meeting in Yoxford.

He said the session was well attended and he was able to ask why people were not given the chance to consult on whether or not they actually wanted new nuclear reactors at Sizewell, while also questioning the efficiency of nuclear power.

The Government ruled last year that Sizewell was suitable for new nuclear build, saying it was the best way to ensure secure, low carbon, affordable energy. Consultation on the initial plans for Sizewell C closes on February 6. Visit http://sizewell.edfenergyconsultation.info

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That's nice of Ms. Coffey. Normally, she ignores the views of her constituents, but I suppose building Sizewell C isn't a "climb the Tory Party slippery ladder" issue for her. That must allow her to behave, for once, as a constituency MP should.